Open innovation

We solve problems with market innovators

We work with market innovators to solve ongoing problems that London faces. 

This enables us to work towards a greener, safer, more inclusive future for London. To get there we are partnering with market innovators to apply new ways of thinking as well as new technologies in order to solve TFL's challenges.

How innovation works

We work with innovators of all sizes to solve TfL's challenges. Rather than prescribing solutions, we instead look to the market for creative, resourceful and novel approaches to our problems. The International Chamber of Commerce has recognized us as 'leaders in open innovation'.

To encourage these partnerships, we provide funding, expertise, mentorship and access to the TfL network. Innovating with the market lets us solve problems quickly and more cost-effectively, improving our network and making life better for Londoners.

As well as solving current TfL challenges, we are also keen to meet with innovators who can help us understand the direction of travel for emerging technologies.  

In all cases, whether we're carrying out horizon scanning or running a live challenge, we're focused on mobility innovations that will further the aims of the Mayor's Transport Strategy.

Working with us

Our innovation activities have five main areas of focus:

  • Vision Zero
  • Carbon reduction
  • Air quality
  • Customer experience
  • Operational efficiency

Our projects vary widely in size, scope, budget and duration, but all advance us towards our priorities for London. We want to hear from innovators who share our priority of making London greener, safer, and more inclusive for everyone.

If you're ready to develop new technologies, services or approaches that could help us achieve our strategic goals, register with us to hear about upcoming projects.

Our work

Corporate Innovation Partnerships

Corporate innovation partnerships allow TfL to harness world-leading R&D. The results of our pilot partnerships with Bosch and Mercedes-Benz are informing the design of our wider innovation partnerships framework.

Protecting vulnerable road users

To better understand conditions leading to near-misses and incidents with cyclists, we worked with See.Sense who provided over 5.4 billion crowdsourced sensor readings from their sensor-enabled connected bike lights. Insights on road condition, speed, swerving and braking allowed us to identify where cyclists face riskier journeys in London, helping us to plan improvements to our network and achieve London's Vision Zero ambition.

Improving our roads

london roadlab

We set a challenge to make roadworks in London safer, smarter, and more accessible.

Nine innovators were selected to develop their solutions with the support of TfL, utilities providers and London Councils.

After 10 weeks, the trial cohort developed valuable innovations - with Immense, Mobilized Construction, Route Reports and samdesk announced as winners.

Since the initial challenge, Immense and samdesk have been awarded contracts for technology that will make the management of our road network safer and more efficient.

Improving our air quality

air quality image

We worked with Bosch on projects spanning AI, road safety and passenger experience. In 2021 a trial using advanced air monitoring significantly improved air quality in Brixton - making life better for residents, pedestrians and road users.

By building a real-time model of traffic and air pollution in the town centre, we reduced emissions by a huge 20%. Now, the knowledge we gained in Brixton is guiding our approach to air quality across London.

Improving freight and servicing

london freightlab

As part of the Mayor's Civic Innovation Challenge, we launched London FreightLab. This collaboration with market innovators aims to make freight and servicing more efficient across Greater London.

FreightLab offered each innovator £20,000 in seed funding, as well as access to experts, mentors, data and pilot sites across the city to develop their MVPs. The callout to market was highly successful - innovation trials are now underway in partnership with leading freight and utilities providers.

Real time bus information

We are trialling a suite of real-time digital timetables at 12 bus stops along Route 63. The trail provides features to improve the overall passenger experience including: arrival data, timetables, additional information and live audible information for visually impaired users.

Car parks

To look for solutions which provided additional uses for our car park spaces, we began a trial with Spokesafe and Lovespace. Spokesafe provide safe storage options for cyclists, helping enable more customers to look at cycling as part of their daily commutes. Lovespace provide an efficient warehouse storage collection service for local residents, preventing the amount of vehicle journeys required.